Question 1

What is the "Unlicensed River Walk Boat Tour Operators" scam in San Antonio?

Accepted Answer

Unlicensed operators sell boat tour tickets along the San Antonio River Walk between Commerce Street and Market Street, undercutting the official Go Rio Cruises prices. Boats are overcrowded, guides provide inaccurate historical commentary, and some operators collect payment then fail to show. The official tour company has branded docks with ticketing booths. Buy River Walk boat tour tickets only at official Go Rio Cruises dock locations. Avoid purchasing from individuals standing on the riverwalk path soliciting sales.

Question 2

What is the "Fake Alamo and Mission Trail Guided Tour Upsell" scam in San Antonio?

Accepted Answer

Individuals near the Alamo on Alamo Plaza and along the Mission Trail approach tourists offering unofficial "extended guided tours" of all five missions with minivan transport. They charge $40–$80 per person for tours that are rushed, historically inaccurate, and sometimes simply never start after money is collected. The Alamo is free to enter and self-guided. Official guided tours are booked through the Alamo website. NPS ranger-led Mission Trail tours are free — check nps.gov/saan for the current schedule.

Tour & Activity Scams in San Antonio

Unlicensed River Walk Boat Tour Operators

Fake Alamo and Mission Trail Guided Tour Upsell

Experienced a scam here?